As innovations and improvements continue, dental implants in NW Calgary are becoming more and more common to permanently resolve tooth loss, however it was caused. It’s easy for a dentist in NW Calgary to say that implant procedures are common, because we perform hundreds of such procedures every year. With a little luck, though, you’ll only undergo one such procedure. For that reason, we know you may have lots of questions about your post-procedure recovery and care.
Here’s what you need to know about implant procedure after-care and recovery.
Things to avoid after your implant procedure
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Until the anesthetic has worn off, do not eat or drink hot beverages
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Avoid poking and prodding at the surgical site with your tongue or fingers as tempting as it will be
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Avoid any strenuous physical activity for 48 hours after your implant surgery.
Priority No. 1: Keeping your mouth and your new implants clean
Maximizing the likelihood of a successful implant procedure requires minimizing the risk of any infection. And all that takes is you carefully following some instructions to keep your mouth and the implant sites as clean as possible. Here are the steps to do that.
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Beginning with the night of your surgery, clean your remaining teeth normally with a toothbrush.
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For a few days after your surgery, avoid brushing the site of you implant
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As the normal tenderness starts to disappear, begin gently cleaning the site of your implant with a toothbrush
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During the first week, rinse your mouth regularly with salted water warm enough to dissolve the salt but not so hot as to scald. Use ½ tsp of salt for a cup of water. Don’t just gargle, but hold the salted water over the affected area as it cools before emptying your mouth.
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In the week after your surgery, keep food away from the surgery site and rinse your mouth gently but thoroughly every time you eat
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If you’re a smoker, abstain from smoking until your wound has healed fully.
Yes, you may notice swelling and bruising
For several days after implant surgery, you will experience some swelling and bruising. That swelling and bruising usually peaks approximately three days after surgery, then subsides on its own over the next few days. You can reduce that swelling with a few simple home remedies:
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Use a cold compress, ice pack, or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel and held against your cheek (10 minutes on and 20 minutes off, and repeat as desired)
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After a day or so, you’ll likely find that mild heat offers more relief than cold
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When sleeping or resting, keep your head elevated slightly on an extra pillow or cushion.
Will you feel any pain after your implant surgery?
For a few days after your surgery, you may experience soreness in the affected area of your gums and jaw. That is normal and natural and can be treated with the same over-the-counter medication you would take for a headache. If you experience discomfort sufficient to warrant a over-the-counter pain medication, start with the maximum dose recommended for two days after your procedure.
Temporary and minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal and natural after dental implant procedures. Each effect will dissipate quickly on its own, and can be eased with simple home remedies and over-the-counter medication. However, if your swelling, bruising, and discomfort increases rather than decreases with the passage of time — and if you experience any fever — contact your dentist right away for their advice to advance your recovery.
Implants are a permanent solution to tooth loss with minor and temporary discomfort along the way. You can ensure your fullest and fastest recovery by following these steps and asking your dentist in NW Calgary about any unexpected symptoms you experience.